Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

David Bowie said of Berlin in the 70’s that it was ’the greatest cultural extravaganza that one can imagine’. The same is true today, but for all its vibrancy, energy and creativity the greatest European city was missing something… Not any more, Dolce&Gabbana have opened their first flagship store in Berlin and as the city’s socialites gathered for the opening night celebration Swide sent local Zoë Noble along for the inside view.

Zoë Glazebrook (AKA Zoë Noble,centre) in conversation with guests. Click here for Zoë's blog)

Berlin’s frozen winter streets led all the way to Sicily last Saturday, when Dolce&Gabbana opened its first flagship store in the city. The opening party captured the Mediterranean spirit of the designers’ Spring/Summer 2012 collection, and swept its celebrity guests away to a beautiful village off the southern coast of Italy.

But first I had to get there. I stepped out of the taxi in three-inch platforms and somehow managed to slide my way towards the store’s entrance without a mishap. Falling over at such a glamorous event isn’t something I would wish on my worst enemy so, once inside, I could breathe a little easier.

Bonnie Strange and Wilson Gonzales turn it on for the cameras

Only the second store in Germany and suitably situated on Berlin’s most prestigious shopping street, Kurfurstendamm, the brand new space was all mine before the guests arrived. With over 600 square meters of black gloss, plush furnishings and an air of opulence that would impress Anna Della Russo, it certainly didn’t disappoint. 

Hollywood and friend

Up on the menswear floor, huge posters showed the Spring/Summer 2012 ad campaign in magnificent detail, shot by Giampaolo Sgura, it is inspired by the beauty and icons of Italian cinema. Back downstairs, a video in black and white carried me to the beautiful village where the campaign was shot, and Berlin’s Arctic chill began to melt away. 

With surroundings as beautiful as this what else could you need? Why, an equally beautiful crowd of course! As they filed in, draped in furs and finery, leopard print and lace, the guests stood out in stark contrast with Berlin’s usual dressed-down aesthetic – peacocks among the pigeons.

Bang Bang Berlin Clubs Editor Jackee Word 

Among the famous faces were Martina Gedeck, star of “The Lives of Others”, and a guest at the Berlin International Film Festival to celebrate her new film “The Wall”. Looking effortlessly elegant in a black dress from the current Dolce&Gabbana runway collection, she declared herself a big fan of the label, describing its clothes as “feminine but not frumpy”. Another beauty who was impossible to mistake was the flame-haired blog icon Bonnie Strange. Keeping it understated and chic in black lace and leopard print accessories, she made her way through the store with cameras vying for her attention.

Actress Martina Gedeck star of 'The Lives of Others'

Bonnie was eagerly greeted by the international fash pack, who were out in full force. For Bang Bang Berlin Clubs Editor Jackee Word, performance artist and singer Hollywood and model/muse Flo Berrymore, the word “understatement” is as foreign as, well, German. Their outfits certainly turned some heads and raised a few perfectly-plucked eyebrows, with Jackee strutting in some killer platforms that made me wonder how on earth he navigated Berlin’s treacherous streets! But hey, this is fashion daaahling! 

RoniqueXXX enjoys the hospitality

People-watching is thirsty work, so in between spotting stars I sipped on fine wine and was treated to a taste of Sicily with some delicious canapés. Downstairs, DJ Alessandro Pagliara kept on theme with some sunny house and Italo Disco classics, which certainly got the fashionistas moving on the dance floor. After throwing some Vogue shapes (pretty tricky with a huge camera around your neck!) we decided to take a breather and make our way upstairs. 

Valerie Renay gets in the party mood

Turning to look around the menswear floor, my eyes glanced from Austrian film star Hilde Dalik to singer Herbert Grönemeyer, from director Lars Montag and photographer Joachim Baldauf to art dealer Judy Lübcke. These rich surroundings were definitely the place to see and be seen, and where I spotted Valerie Renay, one half of electro-punk performance act Noblesse Oblige. Wearing a fur leopard print coat and matching eye makeup she looked stunning. She even gave me a “roar” (pictured) for full effect!

Standing among the beautiful posters and people, the sub-zero temperatures and wooly winter warmers of Berlin seemed a world away. I’ve already started to plan my summer wardrobe as a means of escape, and it will definitely include a few pieces of the new Dolce&Gabbanna collection. I can’t wait to get a closer look when I next visit the store! Now where did I put that sun tan lotion?

By Zoë Noble

 

Read what the Blogosphere had to say about the Dolce&Gabbana opening in Berlin: 

 Hanke Dustin 

 Meng Josephine 

 Schaller Renè & here

 Kiki Albrecht 

For more Berlin on Swide click below: 

  

TAGS: dolce&gabbana D&G Zo Swide Berlin blogg Berlin Fashiod Week Valerie Renay Docle&Gabbana store Kurfurstendamm Giampaolo Sgura Martina Gedeck RoniqueXXX Bonnie Strang Wilson Gonzales Flo Berrymore DJ Alessandro Pagliara Hilde Dalik Herbert Grönemeyer Joachim Baldauf Judy Lübcke Noblesse Oblige